Sebastian Vettel wins DHL Fastest Lap Trophy 03 Nov 2009
The contest for the 2009 season’s DHL Fastest Lap Trophy was decided on the penultimate lap of Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix when eventual winner Sebastian Vettel posted the fastest lap of the Yas Marina race.
Vettel's quick lap of 1m 40.279s in Abu Dhabi meant that he had equalled team mate Mark Webber’s tally of three fastest laps over the course of the season. And after the duo's number of second fastest laps were taken into account, the young German driver came out in front of his Australian counterpart in the standings by three to one.
“I am very pleased,” said Vettel after being presented with the trophy following the race. “It means a lot to me to have my achievements recognized in this way. I wanted to post the fastest lap of the race, which is why, just before the finish; I really put my foot to the floor again. It was more than worth it.”
Former Formula One driver and now RTL TV commentator, Christian Danner, offered Vettel warm congratulations, saying: “After such a great season, culminating in a win at Abu Dhabi and the number two spot in the world championship, winning the DHL Fastest Lap Trophy is the icing on the cake for Sebastian.”
To post the fastest lap in a race is a real challenge and comes about as a result of speed, precision and teamwork. “These attributes are indispensable for the DHL Logistics Business as well,” added Thomas Nieszner, CEO DHL Global Forwarding, Europe/CEE, who handed over the award.
Vettel succeeds the Finnish driver, and former world champion, Kimi Raikkonen, who won the trophy in the first two years of its existence. In 2007, Raikkonen, with six fastest laps under his belt, was in a similar exciting neck-and-neck race against his Ferrari team mate Felipe Massa.
In 2008, the Finn was the undisputed winner, securing a total of ten fastest laps. He is the clear leader in this contest amongst the current crop of drivers, having set a total of 35 during his career. In the list of all-time top drivers, he lies in third position behind Michael Schumacher (76) and Alain Prost (41).
DHL is the Official Logistics Partner of Formula 1™ and has been the official name patron of the Fastest Lap Trophy since 2007.
DHL Fastest Lap Trophy 2009 - Facts
Winner: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
Number of fastest laps: 3
Fastest lap of the season: Mark Webber (Red Bull), Brazil (1m 13.733s)
Fastest lap drivers:
Sebastian Vettel - 3
Mark Webber - 3
Rubens Barrichello - 2
Fernando Alonso - 2
Jenson Button - 2
Felipe Massa - 1
Jarno Trulli - 1
Timo Glock - 1
Nico Rosberg - 1
Adrian Sutil - 1
Fastest lap teams:
Red Bull - 6
Brawn GP - 4
Renault - 2
Toyota - 2
Ferrari - 1
Williams - 1
Force India - 1
